From BrahMos to battle tanks: Republic Day parade showcases India’s power

Kartavya Path will turn into a powerful showcase of India’s defence strength, innovation and heritage on Monday as the country marks its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade led by President Droupadi Murmu. From cutting-edge missiles and tanks to newly raised Army units and an aerial spectacle, this year’s celebrations promise one of the most dynamic displays in recent years.

The parade, themed around 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, will begin at 10.30 am and last around 90 minutes. The Presidents of the European Council and European Commission — Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen — will be the chief guests.

What new military power will India unveil?

Among the headline attractions will be advanced weapon systems such as the BrahMos and Akash missiles, the Main Battle Tank Arjun, and the Universal Rocket Launcher System ‘Suryastra’, which will make its Republic Day debut with deep-strike capabilities of up to 300 km. DRDO will also showcase the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile, highlighting India’s growing prowess in next-generation warfare technologies.

Other platforms on display include the ATAGS and Dhanush artillery guns, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Nag missile system, BMP-II infantry combat vehicles and a range of drones.

Which new Army units will make their debut?

For the first time, the newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion and Shaktiban Regiment will march down Kartavya Path, along with Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels. The iconic 61 Cavalry, traditionally seen in ceremonial uniform, will appear in battle gear in a phased “battle array formation”, marking another first.

The Shaktiban Regiment, equipped with drones, counter-drone systems and loiter munitions, reflects the Army’s shift towards tech-enabled combat readiness.

What will make the fly-past and tableau special?

The aerial fly-past will feature 29 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter jets, along with C-130 and C-295 transport aircraft and Navy’s P-8I. Helicopters such as Dhruv, Rudra, Apache and Prachand will demonstrate battlefield manoeuvres in coordinated formations.

A tri-services tableau showcasing replicas of weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor will underline India’s readiness to respond decisively to national security challenges. A glass-cased integrated operations centre display will offer a snapshot of modern battlefield command and control.